HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES-2016-072 Resolution Commemorating Mount Bright Missionary Baptist Church On Its 150th Anniversary A RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING
MOUNT BRIGHT MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH ON ITS 150TH ANNIVERSARY
WHEREAS,prior to the emancipation of African-American slaves,a group of"coloured"men and women held
membership and worshipped at the former Hillsborough Baptist Church,now the First Baptist Church of
Hillsborough;and
WHEREAS,London,a slave of S.Moon,was the first African America accepted for membership at
Hillsborough Baptist Church;and
WHEREAS,in 1866,the African-American congregation voluntarily withdrew their fellowship to form a
church of their own; and
WHEREAS,minutes from the First Baptist Church records read:"The coloured members of the church with
the exception of Bro.Lewis Jenkins having voluntarily withdrawn their fellowship from us for the purpose of
organizing a church of their own,therefore,we recommend that their names be stricken from the roll and
that we recognize them as a separate and distinct church";and
WHEREAS,twenty[20] members subsequently formed a congregation under the leadership of Reverend
Alfred E.Bright,hence the name,Mount Bright Baptist Church,and they met in the homes of one another;and
WHEREAS,Susannah W.Graham,widow of William Graham,former governor of North Carolina,donated land
to build the first church structure,and which was erected in 1906; and
WHEREAS,the original members of Mt.Bright Baptist Church included:Mars Whitted,Ed Bolden,George
Smith,Jim Thompson,George Craig,Mark Long,Marsh Dixon,London Robinson,Martin Whitted,Anderson
Henderson,Alston Whitted,Daniel Latta,Sr.,Annie Alston,Julia Craig,Peggie Clemons,Beanie Moore,Millie
Robinson,Peggie Faribault,Jane Whitted and Fannie M.Whitted;and
WHEREAS,when the first building had to be demolished,church members constructed and dedicated a new
structure in 1979,at 211 West Union Street in Hillsborough,North Carolina;and
WHEREAS,through the years,the Mt. Bright Missionary Baptist Church congregation has contributed to the
social well-being of Orange County,and continues to hold special events to provide needed resources to
individuals and families throughout the Orange County community;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,that the Orange County Board of County Commissioners commends the
services and achievements of the members,past and present,of the Mount Bright Missionary Baptist Church
over the past 150 years;and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,that the Orange County Board of County Commissioners congratulates the
members of Mount Bright Missionary Baptist Church on their Sesquicentennial Anniversary,with the
Reverend Melvin Gattis as Associate Minister,and the Reverend Sharon Shanklin Freeland as Associate
Minister and Church Administrator;and
BE IT MOREOVER RESOLVED,that Mount Bright Missionary Baptist Church is hereby recognized by the
Orange County Board of County Commissioners as a pillar in the community,that has served,and may it
continue to serve,as a beacon of hope,progress,revival and freedom for all.
This the 15th Day of November 2016. Jam,,, p
Earl McKee,Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners